Hill 582

Hill 582. . , Remembering Roy O. Gonce, September 11, 1933 - December 20, 2017; Susan A. Gonce, March 30, 1943 - March 18, 1998; Roy E. Gonce, July 29, 1975 - January 29, 2014. , The Gonce family, Roy, Susan and their two kids, Roy and Becky, chose this hill as their favorite camping site and train viewing spot many years prior to this hill becoming Hill 582. In 1994 Roy O. planted the first eucalyptus tree - it is now the tallest tree. Roy O. also donated in 1994 the eucalyptus tree growing at the northwest corner of the hill. In 1998, "Sue's Tree" was planted to commemorate the death of Roy's wife, Susan. Oh yes, we do remember the Gonce family and their many contributions to Hill 582. , "the Hilltender" , Remembering the historic 1913 Alray tunnels; the original «582A» signal mast at the northeast corner of Hill 582; and honoring a dear friend, mentor and a fellow railfan, Chard L. Walker, June 8, 1922 - September 28, 2007. Known for his authoritative Cajon Pass book and photographs, Chard Walker was a historian and a true gentleman. A loyal employee of Santa Fe Railroad for 36 years, Chard retired in 1983. He lived and worked at Summit from 1951 until the Summit depot closed in 1967. , This plaque was placed on Hill 582 by friends of Chard Walker in June 2008. We are very grateful to BNSF and the Ames Construction Co. for providing the «582A» number plate from the original signal mast and the historic concrete remnant from the west portal of Alray tunnel #1.